It was a reoccurrence of an old injury as Bavuma chased after a boundary-bound ball on the opening day on Tuesday and saw him leave the pitch for scans, which revealed a tear.

He was unable to bat even when Marco Jansen needed a partner on Thursday to help him reach a maiden test century. Jansen was stranded on 84 when the ninth wicket went down in South Africa’s first innings of 408.

Dean Elgar, named man of the match for his 185 runs in Centurion, will lead South Africa in what will be his final test, having last week announced his international retirement after the two-test series.

"Temba is not in a great physical state," South Africa head coach Shukri Conrad told reporters. "We felt the potential risk ... he could aggravate (the injury). He will have it assessed in two weeks' time."

Zubayr Hamza has been added to the squad as cover.